In suburban Ottawa, Rosefellow's development of the two-building project named the Kanata West Business Park surpassed the 50% preleasing level well before substantial completion.
AutoShack, an Ottawa-based automotive parts retailer and distributor, selected one of the two buildings, 115 Journeyman St., for its new head office and distribution hub after noting how the property's location and building specifications matched up perfectly with its requirements.
For its role in helping to attract the growing automotive parts sector into the area, and sparking interest from complementary businesses, such as service providers and logistics companies that are expected to contribute further diversification and sustained growth in the region, the project has earned the 2025 CoStar Impact Commercial Development of the Year award in Ottawa, as judged by real estate professionals familiar with the market.
About the project: The immediate success of project, which added nearly 500,000 square feet of high-bay, Class "A" industrial space to the Kanata market, highlighted the critical need for new industrial development in Ottawa's west end. And also demonstrated the appeal of having an Ottawa presence among significant distribution tenants in the market.
The AutoShack deal marked the largest speculative industrial lease signed in the city last year.
There were certainly challenges, and completing a transaction of this scale required investment and cooperation from both the tenant and the landlord. AutoShack's rapid occupancy timeline posed several logistical challenges but the coordinated efforts among the tenant, landlord, consultants and contractors ensured the space was delivered on schedule and on budget.
Rosefellow's deal with AutoShack underscored the emerging industrial sector in Ottawa's West End and demonstrated that Kanata is not just a technology hub and home to national retailers but also increasingly a centre for distribution and commerce.
The other spec-built 230,247-square-foot building at 405 Huntmar Drive, which is available for demising options from 40,000 square feet up to the full facility is also represented by the Colliers team and attracting interest in the market
What the judges said: "Ottawa does not have many options when it comes to large bay industrial. This is impactful because it is a company taking a chance and believing in our market," said Ben Zunder, vice president, and sales representative of CDN Global.
"Rosefellow’s industrial development is making a big impact on the Kanata market, adding nearly half a million square feet of Class A industrial space. With over half of the project pre-leased (including AutoShack’s massive distribution hub), it’s setting a new standard for industrial growth in Ottawa," added Krishon Walker, Planner II, in economic development services with the city of Ottawa.
"Excellent delivery and execution in the suburban industrial space with a strong lease and tenant that will positively impact the city and suburb of Kanata," noted Erin Nagy, property director with JLL.
"Kanata has always been a lagger in the industrial sector, and the risk of building on spec in this size and scope is commendable," said James McNeil, managing principal and broker of record with JJMcNeil Commercial Inc.
They made it happen: The collaborative efforts of David Salomon-Lima, vice-president of leasing and business development for Rosefellow Developments and the Colliers' agents representing Rosefellow, including Oliver Kershaw, senior vice president, and Daniel Niedra, associate vice president and Lindsay Hockey, senior vice president showcased their ability to effect change in the market and secure a major industrial tenant in the project. Also credited in the deal is Gary Calagoure, president of AutoShack. Rosefellow was the developer and property manager of the project. The architect was GKC Architecture and Design.
CoStar Market Manager Patricia Figueroa contributed to this report.